Subaru will include an option for Wi-Fi in the 2011 Outback
Japanese automaker Subaru announced it will become the latest car manufacturer to integrate mobile Wi-Fi into vehicles with an introduction expected in the 2011 Outback.
Wi-Fi service requires a $499 add-on charge, $35 one-time activation, and a $29 monthly subscription fee. The Autonet Mobile in-car Internet helps turn the car into an 802.11 a/b/g hotspot connected to use its 2.5G and 3G networks.
"Subaru Mobile Internet easily allows users to check e-mail, surf the Web or listen to Internet radio and even stream video and post to social networking sites," Subaru said in a recent press release. "Outback passengers can check weather and traffic, download hiking trails, and even reserve a campsite while they're on the road."
USA Today says the Subaru Wi-Fi service will cost $1,164 for two years, while an Apple iPhone data and voice subscription costs $2,838. However, the iPhone and other smartphones obviously are portable and can be removed from the car -- but the in-car Wi-Fi is ideal for connectivity to notebooks and other consumer products.
Autonet can also be found in some Cadillac and Chrysler car models. The addition of Wi-Fi into vehicles is an interesting feature designed to support an increase in Web-connected devices. Smartphones, laptops and netbooks, and handheld game players all have Wi-Fi access.
The previous slump in car demand led car makers to include additional features, with GPS, MP3 support, Wi-Fi, and other tech-based features.
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
If you had a smartphone how cool would it be to have a system where you could get Wi-Fi from your phone in your car? Like a transmitter?
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missvenezuela85 wrote:If you had a smartphone how cool would it be to have a system where you could get Wi-Fi from your phone in your car? Like a transmitter?
You can get a usb cellular modem, and throw your SIM card into it.
Then use that usb cell modem with a car-puter or whatever.
whoa... wait just a minute here. Can they please work on getting a passable stereo into the car before they go for THIS? Or maybe fix the (counter-intuitive) iPod integration that now no longer allows me to fast-forward since the OS4 update?
Forward slash, not black slash 
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